DVD Movie Rating for: The Mask of Zorro

3 out of 5 stars

Movie Plot of: The Mask of Zorro

In early 19th century Mexico the masked swordsman hero Zorro was a champion of the people against the tyranny of Spanish rule, represented by the ruthless Governor Montero. Unfortunately, on the eve of his greatest triumph, the liberation of Mexico, Montero learns of Zorro's secret identity as Don Diego de la Vega and attacks the rebel in his home leaving him imprisoned, his wife dead and his daughter abducted to be claimed as the child of Montero. Twenty years pass, and Montero returns to California intent on a foul plan to bring it under his total control. Upon learning of his return, Don Diego escapes from his long imprisonment and prepares for his revenge. Part of it involves the training of an orphan who helped him as a boy to become his successor. Together, the two must prepare to do battle with Montero and his American henchman to save California and reunite with Diego's lost daughter. So once again, the enemies of freedom and justice in California must fear of the man who leaves the mark of the Z.

Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro returns from exile to avenge the death of his wife, who was killed by his enemy, Don Rafael Montero. Montero took de la Vega's daughter, Elena, and raised her as Elena Montero. The older Zorro takes it upon himself to train his successor, Alejandro Murrieta, who had once helped Zorro escape. Alejandro is cocky and comical, but shows some talent with sword play. What happens when the daughter and the protégé of Zorro meet? Sparks!

DVD Production Details of: The Mask of Zorro

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta Jones

Director: Martin Campbell

Format: Color, Closed-captioned, THX, Widescreen

Studio: Columbia/Tristar Studios

DVD Release Date: December 26, 2000
DVD Features:
Theatrical trailer(s)

Making-of featurette

Photo gallery

Widescreen anamorphic format

DVD Easter Eggs

Cast of the movie: The Mask of Zorro

• Antonio Banderas.... Alejandro Murrieta/Zorro
• José María de Tavira .... Young Alejandro Murrieta
• Anthony Hopkins .... Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro
• Diego Sieres .... Young Joaquín Murrieta
• Emiliano Guerra .... Boy Crying
• Catherine Zeta-Jones .... Elena Montero/Elena Murrieta
• Yolanda Orisaga .... Woman Crying
• Paco Morayta .... Undertaker
• William Marquez .... Fray Felipe
• Stuart Wilson .... Don Rafael Montero
• Tony Amendola .... Don Luiz
• Pedro Altamirano .... Squad Leader
• Luisa Huertas .... Nanny
• María Fernández Cruz .... Baby Elena de la Vega
• Mónica Fernández Cruz .... Baby Elena de la Vega

Photo Gallery of the movie: The Mask of Zorro

Click on one of the thumbnails to see the full size, high resolution photographs

The Mask of Zorro

Reviews of the movie: The Mask of Zorro

A lusty and rousing adventure, this calls to mind those glorious costume dramas produced so capably by the old Hollywood studio system--hardly surprising, in that its title character, a de facto Robin Hood in Old California, provided starring vehicles for Douglas Fairbanks and Tyrone Power, the '50s TV hit, and dozens of serials and features. Zorro, a pop-fiction creation invented by Johnston McCulley in 1918, is given new blood in this fast-moving and engaging version, which actually works as a sequel to the story line in the Fairbanks-Power saga, The Mark of Zorro. A self-assured Anthony Hopkins is Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican freedom fighter captured and imprisoned just as Spain concedes California to Santa Ana. Twenty years later, he escapes from prison to face down his mortal enemy, a land grabbing governor played with slimy spitefulness by Stuart Wilson. Too old to save the local peasants on his own, he trains bandito Antonio Banderas to take his place. Much swashbuckling ensues as Banderas woos Catherine Zeta-Jones, becomes a better human being, and saves the disenfranchised rabble. Director Martin Campbell wisely instills a measure of frivolity into the deftly choreographed action sequences, while letting a serious tone creep in when appropriate. This covers much ground under the banner of romantic-action-adventure, and it does so most excellently.

The Mask of Zorro stars Anthony Hopkins as Zorro, a Robin Hood character that every criminal seeks after. After his identidy is uncovered, Zorro is arrested, and thrown in jail for years.

Antonio Banderas plays a small time criminal, who loses his brother to a corrupt enforcer. After Banderas seeks help, he meets with Zorro, who has been released from jail. Then Banderas starts to train to become the next Zorro.

Along the way the whole film just becomes a bore. There are a few interesting parts(mainly sword fights) but other than that...no. Anthony Hopkins seems a bit restrained in this role, and his acting talent just never completely comes through to the screen. Antonio Banderas has no acting talent whatsoever, and the girl in the film (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is okay.

The cinematography is somewhat on the good side. They really show some fascinating structures and areas on film. That is one of the only good things about this film.

I did not like this film. It never really took off. It moved slow, and had a cramp in it. Do not see The Mask of Zorro. It is nothing like the show, and quite frankly is bad regardless.